Take Carmax offer?

Kid Fresh · 01-23-2010, 02:55 PM

Really at a tough decision here, took my 07 E90 335i, 6MT, Montego Blue, Terra Leather, to Carmax this morning for an appraisal. They offerered $24k, I owe $22k.

I've only had the car for about 7months and have 47,300 on the clock now. It was my mistake to not have completed research on known issues / problems with the N54 engine prior to purchasing. I would have stuck with my original choice: E90 330i. Since joining this incredible site, I've been educated with so many technical facts, opionions, and awesome advice. BUT, I just can't seem to shake the "what-if" issues once I hit the 50k mile mark. I often think this site / threads have "clouded" my head and made me paraniod about things that will go wrong.

I did complete research on 3rd Party Warranties (Carchex: $2,900), even had a very helpful BMW Business Manager try and process a work-around last year when the newly available BMW non-orginal owner Extended Warranty ($3,900) came out, but since it's only valid for those with 45k, I struck out on that option. Thought hope was lost until I found an Indy BMW Master Mechanic in the area, but found out yesterday he had a house fire, and won't be back in business until later this year (Sept 2010).

This is my first BMW and it truly is the ultimate driving machine. My intentions were to keep it for many years / miles, but now I have to consider the "best option" and the "possible" mechanical failures / costs down the line:

* 6 Injectors (full retail $550 each) plus labor could run $3,800
* Turbos ($3,000 a peice) x 2
* De-Carbonzing the Valves
* Vanos solenoids / Sensors
* Coils

These are all things that could go, maybe they won't go, there are many posts from members who know or have 60k plus miles on their rides with no issues. Only major issues on my car thus far:

* 1 HPFP replaced (16,933)
* 6 Spark Plugs replaced (43,891)
* Rear brake sensor & pads replaced-squeaky brake issue (44,958)

I've got a 2005 F-150 pick up that's paid off, so I've got transpo for the time being.

Thinking of saving up six months of car payments; plus the $2k extra (Carmax), Tax Refund money, and getting something later this year..........but right now I'm leaning towards playing it safe, cashing in my chips and walking away while I'm ahead.

Matts435coupe · 01-23-2010, 02:58 PM

I know what I would do. Take the offer , be done with the car and put 2k in your pocket. You can always get another bmw anytime you want.

CaptainKibbles · 01-23-2010, 03:01 PM

Definitley take that 2k and walk away and go buy yourself another bmw

Zero.7 · 01-23-2010, 03:03 PM

Carmax is NOTORIOUS for low balling...probably a couple or few thousand below what you could fetch on the private market. SO, if you are not in a big rush to sell, try listing your car on the various well-known car selling sites like Autotrader, Yahoo, Cars.com, etc... Again, if you are patient, you'll probably get more that way.

Dan in PA · 01-23-2010, 03:08 PM

$24k? Holy hell you can surely do better than that! If I were looking for a 335i I'd be on my way to your house with a check in-hand.

jt335i · 01-23-2010, 03:42 PM

Cash out while you're ahead. Who knows where the economy is headed these days. Do it!!! Doo it now!!!

JT

BrianUNC · 01-23-2010, 03:43 PM

I concur. Cash out while you're still ahead. $24k isn't a horrible offer, and you're right about what can go wrong out of warranty.

stan01 · 01-23-2010, 03:48 PM

People who are frugal should not own the Ultimate Driving Machine. You pay dearly in acquisition and maintenance costs for BMW performance and prestige. Get an Accord if you want low maintenance costs and 10+ years of reliability. Lease a new BMW if you want fixed monthly costs (BMW even includes roadside assistance and routine maintenance). If you own an out of warranty BMW be prepared that you might face $3K of repairs in some years (other years will be $500-1000). Also, in an out of warranty car you might not repair a costly nonessential item like a sunroof or a NAV system if it breaks.

Don't buy a pre-owned BMW and expect Accord maintenance costs. If this is what happened, get out now and lease a new BMW or buy a pre-owned Accord.

Kid Fresh · 01-23-2010, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the responses fellas, I've got 7 days to make the decision with Carmax. Probably post classified ad for potential buyers tomorrow.....we'll see.

stressdoc · 01-23-2010, 07:52 PM

There was a guy in your area (tragedycat) that was interested in buying my 335 E90 -- I can't bear to part with a car that drives like a Porsche yet has 4dr practicality & 30mpg highway -- so you should get in contact.

Bulldog 6 · 01-23-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cni2i

Carmax is NOTORIOUS for low balling...probably a couple or few thousand below what you could fetch on the private market. SO, if you are not in a big rush to sell, try listing your car on the various well-known car selling sites like Autotrader, Yahoo, Cars.com, etc... Again, if you are patient, you'll probably get more that way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in PA

$24k? Holy hell you can surely do better than that! If I were looking for a 335i I'd be on my way to your house with a check in-hand.

+1 on both of these. I sold two cars on cars.com and made $6G's more than carmax. Sold one in one day.

dimabimmer · 01-23-2010, 08:10 PM

cash out right now!

it would be hard to get a better offer, and by the time you find one, time will be lost.

I just came off leased '07 ('06 production) 335i 6MT coupe. At end of lease the buy out was $29 k, which I thought was a bit much. I ran that car up to 55k miles, that added up to hefty $ amount in mile overages. My initial plan was on buying the car out (thats why never worried about miles), and although this car never had a problem (except one solenoid replaced).... I knew all hell with car breaking down was about to break loose....
335i is a great car, best value for performance/handling/maintenance...but only for first 3 years, and after that... it is big trouble, too expensive to fix with out of pocket $$$...

Take the offer, ditch the car before something breaks and you'd have to fix it. Save up and get an M3V8 this summer

Zero.7 · 01-23-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog 6

+1 on both of these. I sold two cars on cars.com and made $6G's more than carmax. Sold one in one day.

There you go. Wow...that's damn fast. Good for you. I've also sold a few cars through autotrader as well as cars.com. Be patient. Carmax's deal may be good for 7 days, but you can always bring her back in and get another offer. As long as the miles and the condition of the car is essentially the same, I don't see why they would offer you a lot less. Try selling your car on the market for at least 14-21 days IMO. If it doesn't sell, and you are okay with the $24K, then do it.

This suggestion is based on the fact that you said you have another car to drive in the meantime. So, just park your 335, and wait for the offers to come through.

07E92TT · 01-23-2010, 08:37 PM

post on the for sale section here for like 26 or 7 and see what happens

Dan in PA · 01-23-2010, 08:51 PM

Carmax offered me $5999 for a POS diesel truck I was trying to get rid of. I sold it on Autotrader for $10999. Granted, this is an extreme example and it did take a few months. You aren't upside down, you'll walk away with $2K right away....personally I think you can do better but it might take weeks or months. I guess it isn't such a bad offer after all, since you are profiting.

Dan in PA · 01-23-2010, 09:45 PM

crap, what options are on the car? I might actually be interested......

Kid Fresh · 01-23-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in PA

crap, what options are on the car? I might actually be interested......

PM me

Basically everything execept for Navigation (Sport, Premium, Cold Weather).

lopealle · 01-23-2010, 10:50 PM

try a personal ad first 24k seems kinda low

Kid Fresh · 01-23-2010, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lopealle

try a personal ad first 24k seems kinda low

Great pic of your ride all "snowed-up"!

dimabimmer · 01-24-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid Fresh

PM me

Basically everything execept for Navigation (Sport, Premium, Cold Weather).

so you are saying this car has no i-drive? if so, carmax gave you a very good offer, take it man.

David1 · 01-24-2010, 12:33 PM

Carmax is not going to give anyone retail pricing. Cmon guys think about it.

Outlaw 06 · 01-24-2010, 02:44 PM

You’d get the impression from reading this forum that BMWs turn into pumpkins at the stroke of midnight on the day the warrantee/free maintenance expires. If paying for routine maintenance, oil changes, brake pads, etc. is going to break a person’s bank account, then perhaps they should consider driving a vehicle that’s better within their means. Just an observation…

01-23-2010, 02:55 PM	#1
Kid Fresh New Member 8 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E90-07 335i *Montego Blue/6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Take Carmax offer? Really at a tough decision here, took my 07 E90 335i, 6MT, Montego Blue, Terra Leather, to Carmax this morning for an appraisal. They offerered $24k, I owe $22k. I've only had the car for about 7months and have 47,300 on the clock now. It was my mistake to not have completed research on known issues / problems with the N54 engine prior to purchasing. I would have stuck with my original choice: E90 330i. Since joining this incredible site, I've been educated with so many technical facts, opionions, and awesome advice. BUT, I just can't seem to shake the "what-if" issues once I hit the 50k mile mark. I often think this site / threads have "clouded" my head and made me paraniod about things that will go wrong. I did complete research on 3rd Party Warranties (Carchex: $2,900), even had a very helpful BMW Business Manager try and process a work-around last year when the newly available BMW non-orginal owner Extended Warranty ($3,900) came out, but since it's only valid for those with 45k, I struck out on that option. Thought hope was lost until I found an Indy BMW Master Mechanic in the area, but found out yesterday he had a house fire, and won't be back in business until later this year (Sept 2010). This is my first BMW and it truly is the ultimate driving machine. My intentions were to keep it for many years / miles, but now I have to consider the "best option" and the "possible" mechanical failures / costs down the line: * 6 Injectors (full retail $550 each) plus labor could run $3,800 * Turbos ($3,000 a peice) x 2 * De-Carbonzing the Valves * Vanos solenoids / Sensors * Coils These are all things that could go, maybe they won't go, there are many posts from members who know or have 60k plus miles on their rides with no issues. Only major issues on my car thus far: * 1 HPFP replaced (16,933) * 6 Spark Plugs replaced (43,891) * Rear brake sensor & pads replaced-squeaky brake issue (44,958) I've got a 2005 F-150 pick up that's paid off, so I've got transpo for the time being. Thinking of saving up six months of car payments; plus the $2k extra (Carmax), Tax Refund money, and getting something later this year..........but right now I'm leaning towards playing it safe, cashing in my chips and walking away while I'm ahead.
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01-23-2010, 02:58 PM	#2
Matts435coupe Major 111 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 435i Coupe Msport 6MT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida iTrader: (1)	I know what I would do. Take the offer , be done with the car and put 2k in your pocket. You can always get another bmw anytime you want.
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01-23-2010, 03:01 PM	#3
CaptainKibbles Second Lieutenant 51 Rep 281 Posts Drives: F30 MSport 328i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Del Mar iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 BMW F30 328i [10.00]	Definitley take that 2k and walk away and go buy yourself another bmw __________________ Current: 2014 F30 M-Sport 328i Retired: 2008 E92 335i (GiAC Stage 2), 2008 E82 135i (Cobb Stage 1), 2007 E90 328i
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01-23-2010, 03:03 PM	#4
Zero.7 Colonel 97 Rep 2,415 Posts Drives: F30 340i AW M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (6)	Carmax is NOTORIOUS for low balling...probably a couple or few thousand below what you could fetch on the private market. SO, if you are not in a big rush to sell, try listing your car on the various well-known car selling sites like Autotrader, Yahoo, Cars.com, etc... Again, if you are patient, you'll probably get more that way. __________________ '16 f30 AW 340i M-sport 8-speed Auto BMW ///M Performance Power and Sound Kit with Carbon Tips / Gloss Black Performance grilles
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01-23-2010, 03:08 PM	#5
Dan in PA Captain 88 Rep 729 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [0.00]	$24k? Holy hell you can surely do better than that! If I were looking for a 335i I'd be on my way to your house with a check in-hand. __________________ 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i\|DCT\|M-Sport\|iDrive\|Premium Sound\|Heated Seats\|Comfort Access\|PDC\|Deep Sea Blue\|Cream [At the port of exit awaiting a shipping vessel since 8/17/12]
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01-23-2010, 03:42 PM	#6
jt335i Major 263 Rep 1,225 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i Monaco blue Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tampa, Fl iTrader: (0)	Cash out while you're ahead. Who knows where the economy is headed these days. Do it!!! Doo it now!!! JT __________________ 2010 BMW 335i: Monaco blue metallic/Premium+Sport Auto-Steptronic, BMW PE, Cobb Stage 2 2005 Mustang GT: Redfire metallic/5-spd/Ford Racing (Axle backs, silver Bullitt wheels)/K&N CAI/ Diablo Sport Predator Tuner 1997 Toyota Corolla 1983 Mercedes Benz 380SL Roadster
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01-23-2010, 03:43 PM	#7
BrianUNC Private First Class 55 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2023 911, 2025 Z4 6MT ordered Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I concur. Cash out while you're still ahead. $24k isn't a horrible offer, and you're right about what can go wrong out of warranty.
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01-23-2010, 03:48 PM	#8
stan01 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	People who are frugal should not own the Ultimate Driving Machine. You pay dearly in acquisition and maintenance costs for BMW performance and prestige. Get an Accord if you want low maintenance costs and 10+ years of reliability. Lease a new BMW if you want fixed monthly costs (BMW even includes roadside assistance and routine maintenance). If you own an out of warranty BMW be prepared that you might face $3K of repairs in some years (other years will be $500-1000). Also, in an out of warranty car you might not repair a costly nonessential item like a sunroof or a NAV system if it breaks. Don't buy a pre-owned BMW and expect Accord maintenance costs. If this is what happened, get out now and lease a new BMW or buy a pre-owned Accord.
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01-23-2010, 07:46 PM	#9
Kid Fresh New Member 8 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E90-07 335i *Montego Blue/6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the responses fellas, I've got 7 days to make the decision with Carmax. Probably post classified ad for potential buyers tomorrow.....we'll see.
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01-23-2010, 07:52 PM	#10
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	There was a guy in your area (tragedycat) that was interested in buying my 335 E90 -- I can't bear to part with a car that drives like a Porsche yet has 4dr practicality & 30mpg highway -- so you should get in contact. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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01-23-2010, 08:10 PM	#12
dimabimmer Lieutenant Colonel 148 Rep 1,885 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 ZCP 6MT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Brooklyn to SoHo NYC iTrader: (0)	cash out right now! it would be hard to get a better offer, and by the time you find one, time will be lost. I just came off leased '07 ('06 production) 335i 6MT coupe. At end of lease the buy out was $29 k, which I thought was a bit much. I ran that car up to 55k miles, that added up to hefty $ amount in mile overages. My initial plan was on buying the car out (thats why never worried about miles), and although this car never had a problem (except one solenoid replaced).... I knew all hell with car breaking down was about to break loose.... 335i is a great car, best value for performance/handling/maintenance...but only for first 3 years, and after that... it is big trouble, too expensive to fix with out of pocket $$$... Take the offer, ditch the car before something breaks and you'd have to fix it. Save up and get an M3V8 this summer __________________ '11 E92 M3 ZCP SG 6MT Tech Sound USB Heat Cloth Aluminium Sunshade http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=422151
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01-23-2010, 08:37 PM	#14
07E92TT Major 57 Rep 1,336 Posts Drives: 08 C63 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Orlando,FL iTrader: (1)	post on the for sale section here for like 26 or 7 and see what happens __________________ Car: 2008 E90 SG/Black/Dark Burl (sold) 2008 MB C63 P.Silver/Black
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01-23-2010, 08:51 PM	#15
Dan in PA Captain 88 Rep 729 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [0.00]	Carmax offered me $5999 for a POS diesel truck I was trying to get rid of. I sold it on Autotrader for $10999. Granted, this is an extreme example and it did take a few months. You aren't upside down, you'll walk away with $2K right away....personally I think you can do better but it might take weeks or months. I guess it isn't such a bad offer after all, since you are profiting. __________________ 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i\|DCT\|M-Sport\|iDrive\|Premium Sound\|Heated Seats\|Comfort Access\|PDC\|Deep Sea Blue\|Cream [At the port of exit awaiting a shipping vessel since 8/17/12]
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01-23-2010, 09:45 PM	#16
Dan in PA Captain 88 Rep 729 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [0.00]	crap, what options are on the car? I might actually be interested...... __________________ 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i\|DCT\|M-Sport\|iDrive\|Premium Sound\|Heated Seats\|Comfort Access\|PDC\|Deep Sea Blue\|Cream [At the port of exit awaiting a shipping vessel since 8/17/12]
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01-23-2010, 10:50 PM	#18
lopealle Resident Black Guy 251 Rep 2,302 Posts Drives: Lion Join Date: May 2009 Location: Federal Way, WA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 M5 [10.00]	try a personal ad first 24k seems kinda low
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01-24-2010, 12:33 PM	#21
David1 Brigadier General 814 Rep 3,955 Posts Drives: 09 E92 09 X5 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (1)	Carmax is not going to give anyone retail pricing. Cmon guys think about it. __________________ 2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange \|Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather\|Executive Pkg\|DCT
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01-24-2010, 02:44 PM	#22
Outlaw 06 Major 214 Rep 1,071 Posts Drives: M240i (daily driver) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	You’d get the impression from reading this forum that BMWs turn into pumpkins at the stroke of midnight on the day the warrantee/free maintenance expires. If paying for routine maintenance, oil changes, brake pads, etc. is going to break a person’s bank account, then perhaps they should consider driving a vehicle that’s better within their means. Just an observation… __________________
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